Forum Replies Created
-
AuthorPosts
-
znModeratorThe Athletic’s Mike Silver on what it’s like to cover the Super Bowl
Unlike most of the media, Mike Silver won’t have to travel far to cover America’s biggest sporting event.
The Athletic’s Senior NFL Writer is a Northern California native, so going to the Super Bowl in Santa Clara will be a relatively short trip. Levi’s Stadium is less than two hours from his home.
Silver, a longtime NFL columnist, has plenty of experience. The Seattle Seahawks vs. New England Patriots showdown will be his 31st Super Bowl that he has covered. He has seen surprising outcomes and been part of remarkable moments.
We recently caught up with Silver to discuss his history with the big game, partying with Uncle Luke, his most recent book, and his Super Bowl prediction.
How would you describe covering the Super Bowl?
Mike Silver: “It is a sprint and a marathon. I think sometimes fans or people on the outside have a misconception that, you know, the game is super important, obviously, and you cover the hell out of it. But it’s also a nine-day odyssey. It’s not only important for what you do journalistically, but it’s also the convention of pro football. There are incredible opportunities to meet people, renew acquaintances, and socialize with people who are kind of the lifeblood of our year-round reporting. It’s a blur, and it’s a mess. We’re working as we go. I always look forward to it because it can be really fun and fulfilling, but it’s exhausting.”
Is it fun because the game is on your home turf?
Mike Silver: “I love it. I was born in Northern California. I’ve lived there since I was in college. On the one hand, I’m partial to the condensed, concentrated Super Bowls for logistical reasons, with New Orleans as the archetype. This is a harder Super Bowl because the teams are very far south, and the stadium is far south. And then San Francisco is the hub of everything else…
“For me, Super Bowl 50, 10 years ago, was a dream, just to have a Super Bowl in my home region. San Francisco showed out, and it was awesome. I got bummed that it’s going to take a while till we get another one. But it seems to be on the one-every-10-year track. So I’m going to try to savor this one.”
Do you have a funny Super Bowl story?
Mike Silver: “Super Bowl XXXIII in Miami was between the Falcons and the Broncos. Early in the week, I went out to dinner with Ray Buchanan, a Falcons cornerback. I brought him into the Luke Records office, where Luther Campbell, the rap legend, had his office. I was very close with Luke, and Ray wanted to meet him. We sat there, and Ray said, ‘You know, media day is tomorrow. I really want to make a statement. I want to make a splash. Luke, you’re a showman. You got any ideas?’ Luke said, ‘What do you have in mind?’ Ray said, ‘Well, I want to wear a dog collar because we’re the underdogs.’
“Now it’s almost midnight at this point, and Luke liked the idea. And then Ray said, ‘How am I going to get one by tomorrow? There’s no way I’m going to find a dog collar.’ Luke and I started laughing, and Luke said, ‘It’s Miami Beach. No problem.’”
What was your role in this?
Mike Silver: “They sent me out to find a dog collar. I ended up finding a rhinestone-studded dog collar and had to carry it around at the club. We went out so late that it’s the only time I ever missed media day or media night. I partied so hard, so late. I gave Ray the dog collar before I left, luckily, overslept, and turned on the TV as soon as I woke up. The first thing I see is, well, the big talk of media day was Ray Buchanan. I look, and he’s wearing the dog collar and sunglasses, holding court. It totally became a thing. So that was one of my contributions to Super Bowl lore. And I didn’t even get to see it in person.”
Is there a Super Bowl story you broke that stands out?
Mike Silver: “It was my first year working with The Athletic, and I learned early on about a tip that the NFL was going to remove ‘End Racism’ from the end zones as part of what seemed to be the political winds of the moment, and that it coincided with Trump planning to attend. Once I got that confirmed, it became a major national story, to the point where the White House, I think, had to issue a statement confirming that Trump was, in fact, coming as the first sitting president to attend the Super Bowl. And certainly, it looked as though the NFL was one of the many corporations at the time that was capitulating to the vibe at the time.”
How has it been working for The Athletic?
Mike Silver: “I’m really liking it. I think it’s still not close to reaching its potential. It’s a big, strong site. A lot of good work comes out of it. I think whatever it’s going to become will be even cooler than what it is. I work closely with Dianna Russini every day. When I talk about the Super Bowl being a sprint and a marathon, I think she was all-state in four sports in New Jersey growing up. I’ve never seen anyone sprint and sustain it like she can. She’s a whirlwind every day. And it’s awesome. It keeps me young. She’s the perfect person to experience these events with because she has an unlimited supply of energy.”
“Do you have a favorite story you’ve written so far?
Mike Silver: “I’ve known Jared Goff for a long time and watched his journey, from how it ended in L.A. to the tough times early in Detroit, and then building it back up. So one of the first things I wanted to do was fly to Michigan and spend some time with him, as the Lions were really rolling last year. I was able to write something that I think resonated with a lot of people and really drilled down on what went wrong in L.A., how it ended, how tough it was for him, how close he thought he was to being benched in Detroit early on, and how Dan Campbell’s faith in him was a catalyst for a lot of good things that happened to him and to the Lions.”
You wrote a book, ‘The Why Is Everything: A Story of Football, Rivalry, and Revolution,‘ about coaches. What has been the reaction to it?
Mike Silver: “I’ve gotten good feedback on it. I think it’s hard for some of them to digest the totality of who they are and what they’ve been through when it’s that vivid. But my relationships with all of them have stayed pretty good. Sean McVay, early on, before he read it, kind of jokingly said, ‘Man, did you crush me?’ Half-jokingly, I said, ‘The great thing about you is you pummel yourself in the quotes. You’re so introspective and self-critical that I don’t have to do much. I could just quote you.’ I’m sure there are some things in the book that each of the protagonists doesn’t love, but it is the truth.”
“Do you have an early prediction on the game?
Mike Silver: “It feels like the Seahawks are better. All season long, I’ve thought, ‘Well, the Patriots aren’t really this good.’ They’ve got an easy schedule. Some guys have been out when they played them. They’ve had a lot of things go their way. But at some point, I have to acknowledge that they’re good. Mike Vrabel has done one of the greatest coaching jobs I’ve ever seen. And I feel like they’ll show up. I’d put Seattle on paper going in. But I’m trying to fight the impulse to dismiss the Patriots.”
znModeratorScott Kacsmar@ScottKacsmar
It’s mainly that Darnold’s comfort level is a huge story, and isn’t it easier to play defenses he’s already seen 1-2 times?NE gets 2 weeks to prepare a ton of different looks for a defense he hasn’t seen all year. Feels important.
Also, some coaches have very interesting splits on rematches vs. new opponents in the playoffs. Not enough data yet on either here, but it can be a thing.
znModeratorThere were 2 super bowl threads so I am combining them by copying stuff from one to the other. The only way the board lets me move stuff by other posters is to use “quote.”
***
from WV:
I hope the Patriots get blown out, embarrassed, debased and degraded.
But they seem solid. And I’m still not totally sold on Darnold.
Seahawks: 24
Patriots: 23w
vznModeratorThere were 2 super bowl threads so I am combining them by copying stuff from one to the other. The only way the board lets me move stuff by other posters is to use “quote.”
***
from WV:
Vrabel.
Mike Vrabel was arrested in 2011, after being observed on a surveillance video, taking 8 bottles of beer from a deli without paying for them. He later took responsibility for the ‘unfortunate misunderstanding.’
He has a 73-51 record as a head coach.
His 40 time was 4.93.
Vrabel caught 12 passes on 16 targets. All 12 for TDs. 2 in Super Bowls.
***
znModeratorPuka Nacua highlight package just hits 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/HNjR5fT1sL
— Football’s Greatest Moments (@FBGreatMoments) February 1, 2026
znModerator61. Los Angeles Rams: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
They already have an OT tandem in Jackson and McClendon. If Hav retires, they will need depth, but not a 2nd rounder. That’s too high a pick for a lineman who will just sit as depth. Use the 2nd rounder for something else, something more urgent (another CB?). My bet is that they will get their 3rd tackle by doing all of the following and seeing what sticks: low draft pick (after round 3), UDFA, “ronin,” and a budget veteran FA or 2.
It’s the problem with national reporters. They don’t really know every team. So while they’re worrying about replacing ROT for the Rams, Rams fans are happy with the fact that the Rams already have 2 good bookends, and they got them both for the combined price of one 5th round pick.
I mentioned it before, but, that means they got 2 OL starters from the 2023 draft (Avila and McClendon). The last time they did that was 97, when they drafted Pace and Tucker–and Pace was a no-brainer 1st pick in the draft. Before 97, they got 2 OL starters in the 75 draft–Harrah and France. Before that it was Cowan and Scibelli in 61. So, you know, every 20 something years more or less/give or take.
znModeratorfrom The Athletic, 2026 NFL mock draft, Rounds 1 and 2: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7001655/2026/01/29/nfl-mock-draft-2026-mendoza-simpson-qbs/
13. Los Angeles Rams (from ATL): Makai Lemon, WR, USC
No college football pass catcher displayed better hands, route running or toughness than Lemon, who won the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s top receiver. Perhaps his dimensions (5-11, 195) won’t wow scouts, but his production and intangibles are top-shelf. He was the reason USC won nine games this season and would be a gift for Matthew Stafford and company.
29. Los Angeles Rams: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
ACC offenses wisely stayed away from Terrell this year, but that didn’t limit his impact. The younger brother of Falcons starter A.J. Terrell, Avieon didn’t record an interception but broke up nine passes and forced five fumbles. His play is reminiscent of former LSU and NFL star Tyrann Mathieu.
61. Los Angeles Rams: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
znModeratorJordan Schultz@Schultz_Report
The #Raiders just wrapped up a second interview with #Seahawks OC Klint Kubiak, per sources.“Went well,” I was told.
znModeratorbut i still like lane. in the later rounds. looks like a mcmillan type out there who the rams were interested in. both did not have elite speed.
Whether or not they add Lane, they need speed. They can of course add both a speed guy and Lane.
It’s defense too. They missed Young’s speed in the Conference game.
znModeratorLooking at the cap, they don’t have much in 2026. But then they have key players signed.
Problem with Hav is, if they cut him or he leaves, then they actually lose nearly 7M in cap space.
The only real gainer for cap space if they cut him is Darious Wms, who would save them 7.5M.
Here’s who has an extension in 2026:
Matt Stafford
Davante Adams
Alaric Jackson
Kevin Dotson
Kyren Williams
Quentin Lake
Poona Ford
Coleman Shelton
Colby ParkinsonznModeratorDoes the former #RamsHouse tackle and Super Bowl champ have an insight on what Matthew Stafford might be thinking about his #NFL future? pic.twitter.com/ghWbTdIGHz
— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) January 29, 2026
znModerator"I will always believe that a coordinator from [the Shanahan/McVay tree] is the best option."
—@danorlovsky7 on how the Ravens new HC Jesse Minter will make their lives easier 🔥 pic.twitter.com/igF0bPxSdc
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) January 29, 2026
znModeratorC’mon. Evans is fine. What… he had one bad punt this year? Two?
I’m not looking for a replacement for Evans, if I’m the ST coach. There are bigger issues somewhere else.
I think he trailed off.
It could have beeb asking him to do kickoffs. Some think that the new tricky kickoff style Rams used for a bit got to Karty too.
His production trailed off.
But when you get only 3 or so plays a week, one or two kicks that don’t work out can change everyone’s perceptions very quickly.
I do not think Evans is a weakness. If I was the new ST coach, I’d be focused on blocking, both on kicks and returns, and I would want to get somebody who is more reliable (and dangerous) as a returner.
Board war! 😮
znModeratorC’mon. Evans is fine. What… he had one bad punt this year? Two?
I’m not looking for a replacement for Evans, if I’m the ST coach. There are bigger issues somewhere else.
I think he trailed off.
It could have beeb asking him to do kickoffs. Some think that the new tricky kickoff style Rams used for a bit got to Karty too.
znModeratorP Ethan Evans
The Rams will take a long and hard look at special teams this year after the poor season this unit had. They already changed special teams coordinators with Bubba Ventrone now at the helm and the jury is still out on what to do with kicker Harrison Mevis.
That leaves Evans, who didn’t look as good in 2025 as he had in years past. For one, Evans’ Pro Football Focus grade dropped from 79.1 in 2024 to 67.9 in 2025. His yards per punt remained steady (around 46 yards), but he had a much lower rate of punting the ball inside the 20-yard line (40.0%) in 2025 than he did in 2024 (54.5%).
znModeratorThere are certain standards you have to meet to be a “true fan.”
C’mon, man…I never said Green was better than Warner.
znModeratorNEWS, from @bradyhenderson and me: The Seattle Seahawks will go up for sale after Super Bowl LX. They could set a record for an NFL team price: $7-$8 billion, per a rival team exec. https://t.co/MYg3UDkPg1
— Seth Wickersham (@SethWickersham) January 30, 2026
znModeratorHe went from helping to revolutionizing a century old game to rescuing a sex slave, capturing a bank robber, tracking down drug traffickers, a mass shooter, racketeers and more. But there was a line he would not cross. My story. https://t.co/s4obOzC9vv
— Dan Pompei (@danpompei) January 30, 2026
znModeratorThat’s funny. I don’t remember you calling for Steve Ortmayer’s head when he drafted Tony Banks.
I remember a time, during the 2000 season, when some of us criticized Zygmunt. All hell broke loose. We “upstart haters” were read the full force of the law.
Then in a few years, defending Zygmunt could get you stoned to death. Or worse.
znModeratorThey’re in Maine now too.
MSBA Governors Issue Statement Regarding Rule of Law Amid ICE Activities in Maine
The Maine State Bar Association promotes the honor, dignity and professionalism of lawyers, advances the knowledge, skills and interests of its members, and supports the public interest in a fair and effective system of justice.
The Maine State Bar Association (MSBA) is a non-partisan organization dedicated to upholding the United States Constitution, the rule of law, judicial independence, and the fair and equal administration of justice. Acting consistently with its mission, the MSBA issues this statement to condemn recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in Maine that appears to violate fundamental constitutional principles.
Our concerns about ICE’s conduct include:
Warrantless entry into private homes, in violation of the Fourth Amendment;
Warrantless arrests and detentions without individualized probable cause or meaningful judicial oversight;
Profound deficiencies in training, supervision, and accountability of ICE agents, resulting in inappropriate escalation, misuse of force, and failure to correctly assess legal authority or constitutional limits;
Racial and ethnic profiling, including the targeting of immigrant communities and individuals who are lawfully present in the United States, including U.S. citizens;
The routine use of masks or other measures to obscure the identities of federal agents, undermining transparency and accountability; and
The use of enforcement “surges” directed at regions perceived to be politically opposed to the current administration, raising concerns about selective, retaliatory, or politically motivated enforcement.
Of particular concern is ICE’s apparent lack of consistent, rigorous training of ICE agents on constitutional requirements, limits on federal immigration authority, and the lawful use of force. Law enforcement officers exercising extraordinary power, particularly the power to enter homes, detain individuals, and use force, must be thoroughly trained to understand and respect constitutional boundaries. Failure to do so predictably results in unlawful conduct, violence, and the erosion of public trust. These outcomes are not aberrations; they are the foreseeable consequences of inadequate preparation and oversight.
Proper training is not enough; agents must still adhere to constitutional limits and the rule of law.
The MSBA acknowledges that immigration law is complex and that some individuals are present in the United States without lawful documentation. Some individuals, regardless of immigration status, commit violent crimes and must be held accountable. Lawful and constitutional immigration enforcement with valid warrants, judicial oversight, and trained, accountable agents align with the rule of law.
What the MSBA unequivocally condemns is illegal and unconstitutional conduct carried out in the name of enforcement. No policy objective, immigration-related or otherwise, justifies warrantless home entries, racial profiling, the absence of judicial oversight, the use of excessive force, or the deliberate obscuring of law enforcement identity. These practices are fundamentally incompatible with constitutional principles.
The MSBA recognizes and respects the diversity of views among its members on immigration policy. Reasonable disagreement about policy choices is both expected and healthy in a democratic society. But fidelity to the Constitution, due process, and equal protection under the law is not a matter of politics. It is the foundation of our legal system and the obligation of all who wield government power.
This issue affects our clients, families, and communities. The Maine State Bar Association calls upon all law enforcement agencies operating in Maine to uphold their obligation to defend the constitutional rights of all Mainers. As lawyers, judges, and officers of the court, we have a duty to speak plainly when the rule of law is threatened and to affirm that constitutional limits on government power are not optional, they are essential to liberty, safety, and justice for all.
znModeratorACL injuries down 25 percent.
Achilles tears up 13.5 percent.I wonder what the explanation is?
w
vAchilles, it turns out, just cries a lot. Or, to use the vernacular, he tears up. Not sure why that counts against the NFL. He’s Greek.
znModeratorMissed Field Goals: The team struggled with field goal consistency throughout the season, leading them to sign Harrison Mevis to replace Joshua Karty mid-season. The Rams finished the season with the fifth-worst field goal percentage in the NFL 78.6%).
FG%
Karty 79.6% w/ 5 misses + 3 missed XP
Mevis 92.3% w/ 1 miss, 100% on XP (the missed FG was in Chicago in a winter wind)
znModeratorRams Wire@TheRamsWire
Aubrey Pleasant seems likely to remain with the Rams after the Chargers passed on him in their search for a new defensive coordinator.znModeratorSnead’s worst draft?
First pick traded to Atlanta.
2019 Los Angeles Rams Draft Picks
Round 2, Pick 61 (61st overall): Taylor Rapp, S, Washington
Round 3, Pick 70 (70th overall): Darrell Henderson Jr., RB, Memphis
Round 3, Pick 79 (79th overall): David Long Jr., CB, Michigan
Round 3, Pick 97 (97th overall): Bobby Evans, OT, Oklahoma
Round 4, Pick 134 (134th overall): Greg Gaines, DT, Washington
Round 5, Pick 169 (169th overall): David Edwards, OT, Wisconsin
Round 7, Pick 243 (243rd overall): Nick Scott, S, Penn State
Round 7, Pick 251 (251st overall): Dakota Allen, LB, Texas TecEdwards started. Rapp kinda did but was subpar. Scott was a pretty good safety. Gaines was a pretty good nt.
Both edwards and scott still play (for the Bills and Panthers respectively). Gaines keeps signing 1 years with the Buxx but isn’t a starter. Rapp is depth for the Bills.
And that’s it.
znModeratori think a guy like lane would be intriguing.
They need speed. I think Lane is in the 4.5 range (though that’s not official yet).
They need speed. Speed everywhere. Plus, guys who are fast. And also, guys who get from point A to point B in a very short time.
znModeratorJeremy Fowler@JFowlerESPN
The Raiders plan to interview Seattle OC Klint Kubiak over the weekend and then make a decision on their head coach, per sources.As one candidate predicted, “it’s probably (Kubiak’s) job to lose.”
znModeratorLA Rams Super Fan@LARamsSuperFan1
Bubba Ventrone as Special Teams Coordinator:Colts years 📈
• 2018 — 2nd
• 2020 — 4th
• 2021 — 2nd
• 2022 — 8thBrowns years 📉 (DVOA)
• 2023 — Bottom tier
• 2024 — Bottom tier
• 2025 — Near lastRams — 31st in ST in 2025
Boom or bust but he’s built elite units before
znModeratorTurfShowTimes@TurfShowTimes
Former Rams QB is Eagles new offensive coordinatorAlbert Breer@AlbertBreer
New Eagles OC Sean Mannion played nine years in the league, most recently shuttling back-and-forth b/w the Seahawks and Vikings. He got time, as a player, with Sean McVay and Kevin O’Connell. As a coach, under Matt LaFleur, he was a QC [quality control] last year, and QBs coach this year.znModeratorMeidasTouch * ooSsednptra1f3hllmal4m12flh9um
Bruce Springsteen’s song “Streets of Minneapolis” is currently #1 on iTunes in 19 countries
znModeratorVentrone was considered one of the top young coaching minds in the league during his tenure, before departing to become the Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator for the Cleveland Browns in 2023
Well if he can’t cut it in Cleveland, why would he be able to cut it anywhere else?
Yes kidding.
-
AuthorPosts
